Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa 351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty 3010

"Such a cool place! We did both the walk and the mud bath. Definitely recommend doing the walk first, don’t skip it because the views are like being on another planet! The waterfall is so beautiful as well. At the end of the walk an artist teaches you how to do traditional wood carving. The artist was so helpful! He gave us so much information about the area and recommendations on things to do. Plus the wood carving experience really helps you appreciate good wood carvings. After that we did the alkaline baths and the mud bath. From reading the reviews I had prepared myself for it to smell terrible but it really wasn’t that bad. I didn’t notice a sulphur smell when we were in the tubs. It does linger on your skin a little bit, but I showered again that day and I didn’t notice it on my skin again. I washed my bathing suit as soon as I got back and the smell didn’t stick to it. Had to wash the towels twice. You can rent a bathing suit and towel from them if you need to. The front desk was so helpful too, gave us recommendations for dinner in the area."

"Absolutely highly recommended! A must do when you are in the area. The mud pools are just amazing! Don't forget to NOT wear your silver till a couple of days after you've been there! There are change rooms and nice showers."

"We probably felt this was a little over-hyped. The walkthrough was interesting, and the history and mechanics of the pool was genuinely fascinating; the forest-walk was a pleasant reprieve from the hot mud and steam; and our tour guide was decent and interesting enough with the history and answering of our questions… but ultimately the tour went on for a bit too long, and was a bit too “same same” from beginning to middle to end. A nice time out and worth visiting once."

"A beautiful, other-worldly place! Steam from vents can be seen from the road. Walk through the gates to onto the path and you'll think you've gone back in time. I don't want to give the entire, incredible experience away, but I highly recommend you visit the mud and mineral baths at the end of your visit. Just be sure to wear a swimsuit you don't mind smelling like sulphur. It's all part of the amazing experience!"

"I recommend going for the combined experience, which includes the bath and spas plus the walk (usually, the foot bath is included, but it was closed due to geothermal activity, it is not required if you have taken the mud bath and spa). Carry your own bathers, but because the smell takes ages to go away, be prepared to wash them plenty of times. Overall, the experience is one of a kind and not worth missing."